Dishwashing machine



' April 18, 1939. B. w. JONES DISK- WASHING MACHINE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 28, 1935 m J a OJQUMH m am m mm. A 8

April 18, 1939. B. w. JONES DISHWASHING MACHINE Filed March 28, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 5 ..m MU r t O n 0% Wm 6 m 1 MN Patented A r. 18, 1939 DISHWASHING MACHINE Benjamin W. Jones, Schenectady, N. Y., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application March 28, 1935, Serial No. 13,427

10 Claims. 7 (Cl. 141-9) This invention relates to washing apparatus, more particularly to apparatus for washing dishes, and it has for its object the provision of improved apparatus of this character which can 5 be manually controlled to efl'ect a cleansing action, or which, if it is desired, will automatically effect a timed washing cycle.

While not limited thereto, this invention has particular application to dishwashing apparatus wherein a cleansing fluid, such as water, is circulated or hurled in a washing vat by suitable power driven means, such as a motor driven impeller, so as to effect a cleansing action on the dishes supported in the vat.

In accordance with this invention, suitable valves are provided for controlling the admission of the cleansing fluid to and the drainage of soiled fluid from the vat. When the fluid supply valve is open to permit cleansing fluid to flow to the vat while the drain, valve is closed to cause it to accumulate in the vat, and the impeller is operated by its motor, the impeller will engage the accumulated fluid to circulate it in the vat so as to effect a washing action on the dishes supported within the vat.

Means are also provided in the vat for actin upon the water supplied to the vat so as to circulate it in the vat in spray form to efiect' a rinsing action on the dishes in the vat. This rinsing action takes place as long as fluid is supplied to the vat and the drain valve is held in its open position to prevent the accumulation of fluid in the vat for agitation or circulation by the impeller proper.

In other words, if fluid is supplied to the vat and the drain is closed while the impeller is operated, the apparatus will wash the dishes, I whereas if the dralnis open under similar conditions, the apparatus will rinse the dishes.

This invention contemplates the provision of improved means for controlling the operation-of the fluid supply and drain valves and the impeller motor, whereby these members can be operated either manually or automatically as desired, so as to effect these washing and rinsing actions.

In accordance with this invention in one form thereof, the fluid supply and drain valves are operated by suitable electroresponsive means, such as electromagnetic devices. These electromagnetic devices, as well as the impeller driving motor, are controlled by means of a manually operable master switch which is selectively operable to a plurality of controlling positions so as to control the fluid supply and drain valves and the impeller to effect a washing action on the dishes in the vat, under the manual control of the attendant. That is, the washing action can be efiected for predetermined periods of time, as desired by the attendant. In addition, the electroresponsive devices are controlled by means of a plurality of switches, which in turn are operated by a plurality of cams. These cams are arranged to be driven by means of a program motor, which itself is under the control of the master switch and also of switching means operated by cams driven by the program motor. When controlled by the program motor, the washing apparatus will effect washing and rinsing operations in a timed cycle without manual effort on the part of the attendant.

The cams are so arranged that when driven by the program motor they will operate the switches associated with them so as to effect a predetermined,cleansing cycle including both rinsing and washing steps. The program motor upon the completion of the cycle is automatically operated to stop by means of a cam controlled switch.

For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings in which Fig; 1 is a fragmentary elevation of dishwashing apparatus embodying this invention, portions being broken away and portions being shown in section so as to illustrate certain details of construction; Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan view taken on an enlarged scale of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of certain elements of the washing apparatus of Fig. 1, together with certain control means provided therefor and arranged in accordance with this invention.

Referring to the drawings, this invention is shown in one form as applied to dishwashing apparatus comprising a washing vat i0. The vat H], as shown, is supported in an upright position in a suitable rectangular casing defined by front and rear walls II and i2 and a pair of side walls i3. These walls as well as the vat i0 preferably will be formed of a suitable sheet material, such as steel, preferably enameled. The vat I0 is shaped to define a relatively deep chamber, preferably square in cross-section. It will be understood that the vat will be supported at its upper end by the upper walls of the casing in any suitable manner, the details of which are not shown, because they form no part of this invention. It will also be understood that the vat ill will be provided with a suitable cover member (not shown) which is secured to the casing by means of suitable hinges l4, and which is provided with a handle or knob i5 whereby it can be moved conveniently between its open and closed positions.

' It is to-be understood that suitable removable open-work baskets or racks will be provided in the lower and upper portions of the vat. Only the lower rack I6 is shown. While any suitable racks may be used, it is preferable to use the racks described and claimed in the U. S. patent to Forrest A. Walker, No. 2,035,625, granted March 31, 1936.

The bottom wall of the vat III, as shown, is provided with a plurality (four) of inclined portions ll which slope downwardly toward the center of the bottom of the vat and terminate in an opening l8 arranged centrally of the vat.

In the lower portion of the vat above the opening I8 is a suitable impeller l9 arranged to rotate on an axis substantially coaxial with the central vertical axis of the opening l8. Thelmpeller i9 is operated by means of an electric motor 20 below the bottom wall of the vat and having its shaft 2| extending through the opening l8 into the vat where it is mechanically connected with the impeller IS. The motor is supported from the bottom wall of the vat by means of a bushing 22. This bushing is provided with a horizontal annular flange 23 which rests upon the bottom wall of the vat, as shown, and with a cylindrical portion 24 extending downwardly through the opening i8. This portion functions to support an apron 25 to which the motor 20 is secured. The apron 25 is mechanically secured to the depending portion 24 by means of a plurality of circumferentially spaced set screws 25, only one of which is shown.

The impeller 19 is provided with blades which may have any suitable shape, the important feature being that the blades be given a shape such that the cleansing fluid placed in the lower portion of the vat and allowed to accumulate therein will be thrown upwardly and outwardly in an efllcient manner through the dish-supporting trays by the rotary motion of the impeller.

Suitable cleansing fluid, such as hot water, is introduced into the vat through the medium of a suitable spray device comprising a reaction nozzle member 27. Water is supplied to the nozzle member by means of suitable conduit means including a pair of upright conduits 28 end 29 disposed on opposite sides of the impeller 53, as clearly shown in Fig. 1. The conduits 28 and 29 communicate at their lower ends with a suitable ring-shaped conduit member 30 resting on the bottom wall of the vat. The conduits 23 and 29 at their upper ends communicate with the reaction spray device by means of a conduit 3! which also functions to support the spray device. The spray device 21 together with its conduits 28, 29 and 3| are described and claimed in the U. S. patent to Jesse H. Clark, No. 2,025,571, granted December 24, 1935.

Water is supplied to the ring conduit 30 by means of a conduit 32 which, as shown, enters the vat through a suitable aperture provided for it in the bottom wall; this conduit communi- A drainage port 38 is provided in the lower portion of the bottom wall of the vat. This outlet or port 35 communicates with a drain chamber 39 which in turn communicates with a drain conduit or discharge 40.

The drain port 58 is controlled by means of a drain valve 4| which, as shown, is carried by an arm 42 which is arranged to rotate on a shaft 43. The arm 42 is provided with an extension 44 on the side of the shaft opposite the valve 4|, and cooperating with this extension is a suitable tension spring 45 arranged to bias the valve to its open position. The valve is moved to its closed position against the bias of the spring 45 by means of an electroresponsive device 45, such as a suitable electromagnet. The armature 41 of this electromagnet is connected with the lever 42 by means of a link 48 so that when the electromagnet is energized to attract its armature, the link will be moved to operate the valve to its closed position. Preferably, the link 48 will have a resilient connection 49 with the lever extension 44.

Means are provided for injecting a suitable detergent into the washing vat at the proper time during the washing cycle. The detergent injecting means comprises a suitable container or receptacle 5!! in which the detergent will be placed, preferably in liquid form. This liquid detergent may be formed of a solution of any suitable cleansing material in water. The upper end of the supply cylinder communicates with the washing vat l0 by means of a conduit 51 communicating with the upper end of the cylinder and with the vat, as shown in Fig. 1. A predetermined amount of the solution in the cylinder 50 is caused to flow into the vat by causing an equal amount of water to flow into the lower end 01' the container. This introduction of water into the lower end of the container forces the solution in the upper portion of the container to flow through the passageway 5| to the vat.

Water is supplied to the lower end of the cylinder 50 from the supply source 34 by means of a conduit 52 which communicates with the source of supply 34 through a valve 53 and the control valve 35.

The conduit 52 at its upper end communicates with a conduit 54 within the cylinder 50 which opens into the lower end of the cylinder. Arranged transversely of the detergent cylinder above the opening of the conduit 54 is arranged a suitable screen 55 which serves to spread or diffuse the water admitted by the conduit 54 through the lower portion of the detergent material within the cylinder. Diifusion of the water is particularly useful if the detergent include a solid material dissolved in the water, because it spreads the incoming water over the entire lower surface of any of the solid material which might have gravitated to the bottom of the container.

The valve 53 like the valve 35, is biased to its closed position by means of a spring 55, and is opened against the bias of the spring by means of an electromagnet 55. If desired, and it is preferable to do, the two valves may be incorporated in a single housing 51, as shown, the valve 53 being arranged so thatit cannot possibly admit water to the conduit 52 unless the main inlet valve 35 is opened. If this latter valve is opened to permit water to flow into the vat, and the valve 52 is then opened, some of the water flowing from the supply source 34 will be diverted to the detergent cylinder 50 through the conduits 52 and 54.

In the operation of the washing apparatus thus far described, it is contemplated that when water is supplied to the vat from the source 34, it will issue from the reaction spray device 21 so as to effect a rinsing action on the dishes in the rack. This operation will be effected as long as water is supplied to the vat and providing the drain valve 4| is in its open osition to allow the water gravitating to the bottom of the vat to flow freely into the drain 40. If, on the other hand, water is supplied to the vat and the drain valve 4| is closed and the impeller i9 operated, the water gravi-- tating to the bottom of the vat will accumulate therein and will be picked up and circulated by the impeller upwardly and outwardly in the vat through the dish-supporting racks so as to effect a washing action on the dishes supported in these racks. In other words, the position of the drain valve 4| determines whether a rinsing or a washing action will be effected. I

In accordance with this invention, suitable means are provided for controlling the operation of the impeller motor 20, the fluid supply valve 35, the drain valve 4i and the detergent valve 53 so as to effect a predetermined cleansing cycle including both rinsing and washing operations, in certain of which detergent is supplied to the vat It is contemplated that the control means will include a manually operable member, whereby a washing action can be had, as desired at the will of the attendant, the washing action continuing as long as the control member is allowed to remain in a corresponding controlling position; and further, the provision of means for automatically effecting a timed cleansing cycle including both rinsing and washing steps without manual effort on the part of the attendant.

The control means is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 3. This control means comprises a master control switch 56 arranged to control the energization of the impeller motor 20, and the electromagnets 31, 56 and 46 so as to effect a washing operation under manual control of the attendant. This switch comprises a manually operable control member 56a which is connected to operate a movable contact arm 59 that cooperates with fixed contacts, as will be pointed out in greater detail hereinafter. This control further comprises switches 66, 6|, 62, and 63 for controlling the energization of the impeller driving motor 20, the electromagnetic device 31 controlling the inlet valve 35,- the electromagnetic device 56 controlling the detergent valve 53, and the electromagnetic device 46 controlling the operation of the drain valve 4i, respectively. These switches 60, 6 l, 62, and 63 are controlled by means of cams 64, 65, 66, and 61, respectively. These cams are mounted upon a common operating. shaft 68. The electromagnets and the motors are energized from a suitable source of electrical supply 69.

The operating shaft 68 is controlled by means of a program motor 10. The program motor 10 is controlled by means of switches ll, 12, and 13. The switches 12 and 13 in turn are controlled by P means of earns 14 and 15 mounted upon the cam shaft 68. The switch ll is controlled by the electromagnet 46, as will be pointed out in greater detail hereinafter.

- The switch 58 is arranged and the cams 64, 65, 66, 61, 14, and 15 are arranged upon the shaft 66 so that when the control member 58a is moved manually to preselected controlling positions within a certain controlling range of movement, the motor 20 and the fluid supply and drain valves and 4| will be controlled so as to effect certain operations in accordance with the position of the control member 56a which is under the manual control of the attendant, and are further so arranged that when the control member 58a is moved to a controlling position beyond this manual range, it will effect the energization of the program motor 10 to operate the cams 'mechanically to effect a predetermined cleans:

"Motor", "Wash and "Auto etc., are provided as clearly shown in Fig. 2.

Signal means are provided for giving an indication when the control member 56a is moved from its "01? position. This signal means comprises an incandescent lamp l6 energized from the source 69. The energizationv of the lamp is controlled by means of the switch 56 so that when this switch is moved from its "off" position the lamp will be energized. The lamp 16 preferably will be arranged in the top of the casing directly under the control member 58a. A suitable transparent or translucent window 11 is provided over the lamp in the top wall of the casing.

The switches 60, 6|, 62, 63, I2, and 13, together with their controlling earns 64, 65, 66, 61, I4, and 15, and also the program ,motor 16 are all arranged into a compact unitary structure, as clearly shown in Fig. 1. This unitary structure is preferably arranged in the lower portion of the casing below the washing vat, while the control member 56a is located at the top of the vat. It will be understood, however, that the control unit including the switches, cams, and timing motor may be positioned in any suitable location within the casing.

Any suitable constant speed timing motor 16 may be used, but preferably a self-starting synchronous motor will be used of the type described and claimed in the United States patent to H. E. Warren, No. 1,495,936, dated May 27, 1924. Briefly, this motor comprises a bi-polar magnet 10a having a single phase energizing winding 16b, and with suitable shading coils (not shown) for producing a rotating magnetic field. The motor is further provided with a 7 suitable rotor 10o mounted within the-rotating magnetic field produced by the field member. The rotor is capable of starting from rest and rotating in exact synchronism with the rotating magnetic field. Within a casing "id is suitable reduction gears ing (not shown). The motor is connected with the shaft 68 through further reduction gearing Me so that while the motor operates at a very high speed the cam shaft will be driven at-a relatively low speed.

It is also contemplated that suitable means be provided for automatically controlling the quantity of water supplied to the vat for the washing step in accordance with the load imposed on the motor 20 so that the water is cut off when this load attains a predetermined magnitude, that is, when a predetermined quantity of water has been supplied to the vat. This control will be described in conjunction with the description of the operation of the apparatus that follows:

In certain applications, it is desirable that it be possible to operate the impeller motor 20 while eifecting no washing action whatsoever upon the dishes in the vat in order that the motor can be utilized to drive auxiliary appliances, such as mixing devices and the like. My control provides for this independent drive of the motor. The motor 20, as shown in Fig. 1, is connected to drive a pulley 18 by means of a belt 19. The pulley in turn drives a flexible shaft 90 which extends to the top wall of the casing where it is mechanically connected with a driving socket 8| (Fig. 2). It will be understood that whe the motor 20 is energized, it will drive this sacket member 8| into which any driving spindle of an appliance may be inserted to drive the appliance. For example, any suitable power shaft 82 can be driven from the socket 8|; the shaft 92 in turn may be used to drive any suitable appliance.

My washing apparatus operates as follows:

With the control member 580 in its "ofl position, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the inlet valve 35 will be closed, the drain valve 4| will be opened and the detergent valve 53 will be closed; and the impeller motor 29, the program motor 19 and the incandescent lamp 16 will be deenergized.

If it is desired to operate the motor 20 so as to drive an auxiliary appliance from the socket 8i without at the same time effecting any cleansing action, the control member 58a will be moved manually in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 2, to its first controlling position, indicated Motor". In this position of the control member, the contact arm 59 will engage the fixed contact 59a of the switch 59 so as to connect the motor 20 directly to the two conductors of the supply source 59. The motor will continue to operate the socket 8| as long as the control member 58a is in the motor position. This is the only control effected by the control member 58a in this position.

Let it be assumed now that it is desired to effect a washing cleansing step by the manual control of the attendant, that is, let it be assumed that it is desired to effect a cleansing operation wherein the washing step can be effected for as long an interval of time as is desired. To effect this operation, the control member 5911 will be moved in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig.2, to the wash position. This operation of the control member will operate the switch arm 59 to close the contacts 59b, 59c and 59g of the switch 58. This operation will energize the impeller motor 20 from the negative side of the supply source, through switch contact 59g, through the operating coil of an electromagnet 93 and thence through the motor 20 to the positive side of the supply source; and will energize the operating coil of the electromagnet 31 of the supply valve 35 through the switch contact 590, conductor 84, switch 85 controlled by electromagnet 83 and thence through the coil to the positive side of the supply source 99. The operating coil of the drain valve electromagnet 46 will be energized through switch contact 59b and conductor 85. The incandescent lamp 16 will be energized through switch arm 59 and contact 59d. Under these conditions, water will flow freely from the supply source 34 and into the vat through the reaction spray device 21; the impeller motor 20 will be energized to operate the impeller; and the drain valve will be closed so as to allow the water supplied to the vat to accumulate therein for engagement by the impeller. The detergent valve 53 will remain closed and the program motor will not be operated.

As pointed out previously, it is contemplated that when a predetermined quantity of water has been supplied to the vat the inlet valve II will be automatically operated to close. This control is eflected by means of the electromagnet l9 and the switch 95. The energizing co|l 0d the electromagnet is connected directly in the armature circuit of the motor 2|! so that its energize.- tlon is-proportional to the magnitude of the armature current of the motor 29, and hence. to the load imposed on the motor. As the water continues to flow into the vat from the supply source, the load imposed upon the impeller II as it engages the water to hurl it upwardly in the vat will gradually increase until eventually when a predetermined quantity of water has been supplied to the vat, the load will have attained such a magnitude that it will energize the coil 99 sufficiently to open the switch 95. When this occurs, the electromagnetic device 31 will be deenergized and the valve 95 will be moved to close the inlet supply by the spring 36.

Therefore, when the control member 59a is moved to its wash" position, a predetermined quantity of water will be measured and supplied to the vat and the impeller motor 29 will be energized to circulate this water upwardly and outwardly through the dishes to effect a washing action on them. This washing operation will continue as long as the control member 580. is in its "wash position,

It is to be understood that the control member 59a can be moved directly to the wash position to effect the washing action without effecting the motor operating step, if desired.

The control member 58a may be moved completely through the positions motor and wash" to the position auto, so as to effect automatic control of the washing apparatus. Assuming that the control member 58a has been moved to this automatic controlling position auto, it will be observed that the switch arm 59 will close switch contacts 59c and 59].

This operation will effect the energization of the program motor 19 through contact 59/. The energizing circuit for the program motor is established as follows:

When the contact arm 59 is moved through the contacts 59a and 59b to 59c, it will, when it engages the contact 59b, energize the operating coil of the electromagnet 46 of the drain valve 4| through the switch contact 59b, and the conductor 96. This will eflect the closure of the drain valve 4|. When the arm 59 is moved to close the contacts 59c and 59/, a holding circuit for the operating co|l o! the electromagnet 46 will be completed from the negative side of the supply source 69, through the contact arm 59, contact 59c, the closed switch 12, the closed switch H, and thence through the operating coil of the electromagnet to the positive side of the supply source 89. It is to be understood that the contact arm 59 engages contact 59c before it leaves contact 5927. When the electromagnet 48 is energized to close the drain valve 4| and the switch II, it will also operate a switch 91 to its closed position. This switch 91, as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 3, is connected directly to the armature of the electromagnet 46. when the control member 58a is in its auto" position, and the switch 81 has been closed, an energizing circuit for the program motor I9 will be completed from the negative side of the supply source 59, through the switch arm 59, the switch contact 59/, the closed switch 91, and thence through the winding 10b of the program motor to the positive side of the supply source 89.

The program motor will thereupon begin to operate and will rotate the cams 64, 65, 66, 61,

I4 and 15 in a clockwise dlrectiomas-viewed in Fig. 3. The flrst operation of the program motor is to close the switch 13 through the operation of the cam lift 15a of cam 15, thereby completing an energizing circuit for the program motor 10 independently of the switch 61; and to close the switch 6| controlling the water supply valve 35 by operation of cam lift 65a of the cam 65, whereby an energizing circuit for the electromagnet 31 is completed to open the valve 35 from the negative side of the supply source 66 through the switch arm 59, the switch contact 53/, the closed switch 6| and thence through the operating coil of the electromagnet 31 to the positive side of the supply source 69. Water, therefore, will flow directly from the supply source 34 into the vat through the reaction spray device 21. In addition to this, the initial operation of the pro gram motor 10 will have opened the switch 12 by operation of the lift 14a of the cam 14 so as to effect the deenergization of the electromagnet 46, whereby the drain valve 4| will be moved to its open position. During the first part of the operation of the program motor 10, the inlet valve 35 will be opened so that fresh water will flow into the vat through the reaction spray device 21. This water will be hurled over the dishes supported within the vat In so as to effect a rinsing action on the dishes, the water gravitating to the bottom of the vat flowing directly to the drain 46 through the open drain valve 4|.

It will be observed by an inspection of Fig. 3,

that the switch 12 will be held in its open position during an entire revolution of the shaft 68 by the program motor, while the switch 13 will be held in its closed position during a complete source 69, through the switch arm 59, the switch 6 contact 59f, the closed switch 60, the energizing coil of the electromagnet 83 and thence through the motor 26 to the positive side of the supply source 69. This will effect the operation of the 1:1 eller I9. At the same time, the closure of the so. ch 63 will effect the 'energization of the electromagnet 46 by an energizing circuit from the negative side of the supply source 69 through the switch arm 59, the switch contact 59 the closed switch 63, and thence through the operating coil of the magnet 46 to the positive side of. the supply source 69. This operation will effect the closure of the drain valve 4|. Under these conditions, the water which is supplied to the vat through the reaction spray device 21 will gravitate to the bottom of the vat where it will accumulate by reason of the fact that the drain valve 4| is no longer open. The impeller |-9, therefore, will engage the accumulated water so as to hurl it upwardly and outwardly through the dishes supported in the vat so as to effect a washing action. As before, when a predetermined quantity of cleansing fluid has been supplied to the vat, the armature current of the motor 26 will have attained such a value that the electromagnet 83 will be energized sufficiently to open the switch 85, thereby deenergizing the electromagnet 31 of the fluid inlet valve 35; the valve 35 will,

therefore, be automatically closed so that only a predetermined quantity of water can be supplied to the vat. At the same time that the lifts 64a and 61a of the cams 64 and 61 closed their switches 66 and 63, the lift 66a of the cam 66 engaged the switch 62 to close it and thereby effect the energization of the detergent electromagnet 66, which thereupon opened the detergent valve 53 to permit a portion of the water flowing from the supply source 34 to be diverted into the detergent reservoir 50; as previously pointed out, this causes detergent to flow directly into the vat through the conduit 5|.

This washing operation will continue until the program motor 16 has advanced the cam shaft 68 to sucha position, that the depressions 65b, 66b, and 61b of the cams 65, 66, and 6! respectively, which are located in corresponding angular positions with reference to the shaft 63, have been advanced to such positions that they permit the switches 6|, 62,'and 63, associated with the cams 65, 66, and 61, to be opened. When this occurs, the electromagnet 46 of the drain valve will be deenergized, whereupon the drain valve will move to its open position under the influence of the spring 45. As the water flows from the vat, the load upon the impeller motor 26 decreases and eventually attains such a low value that the electromagnet 83 is deenergized sufficiently to permit the switch 85 to close. The supply valve 35, however, will not open during this draining period because the switch 6| will be open. In

addition to this, the flow of detergent to the vat will be stopped byreason of the fact that the electromagnet 56 will be deenergized when the switch 62 is opened. The draining operation will continue until the lifts 65c, 66c, and 610 of the cams 65, 66, and 61 respectively engage the switches 6|, 62, and 63 so as to close them; these switches are simultaneously closed. This will effect a second washing action which is a repetition of the first. Thus, the water supply valve 35 will be opened and will remain open until the load upon the impeller l9 attains a predetermined magnitude, whereupon the electromagnet 63 will be energized to open the switch 85 to thereby effect a closure of the supply valve 35. The electromagnet 56 will be energized to hold the detergent valve 53 open during the entire second washing operation, while the electromagnet 46 will remain energized to hold the drain valve 4| closed. The second washing operation will continue until the program motor has advanced cam shaft 68 to such a position that the depressions 64b, 65d, 66d, and 61d of the cams 64, 65, 66, and 61 respectively arrive at such positions that the switches 66, 6 62, and 63 associated with the cams are permitted to open; these switches are opened simultaneously. This operation will effect the second draining of the vat. Thus, the electromagnet 46 will be deenergized to permit the drain valve 4| to open and thereby allow the soiled fluid in the vat to flow to the drain; theinlet valve 35 will remain closed by reason of the fact that the switch 6| is opened; the impeller motor 26 will be deenergized by reason of the fact that the switch 60 is' opened; the detergent valve 53 will be closed by reason of the fact that the ing of the inlet valve 35 through the switches BI and 85. -Water will then flow into the vat through the reaction spray device 21 so as to effect a final rinsing action on the dishes, the drain valve 4| being open during this operation to permit the water to flow directly to the drain 40. This rinsing operation will take place until the cam 75 has been advanced so that the depression 15b is moved to its position shown in Fig. 3, to permit the switch 13 to open, thereby efiecting the deenergization oi the program motor 10. Simultaneously, with this operation the depression "b 01' cam '14 will permit switch 12 to close, and just prior to the operation to stop the program motor, depression 65) will permit switch 6| to open to eilect the closure of the fluid supply valve 35.

It is to be noted that whenever the control member 5811 is moved from its of! position to any of its other controlling positions, the incandescent signal lamp 16 will be energized through the switch contact 59d and will not be deenergized until the control member is returned to its "01? position.-

It will also be observed that when the program motor effects its deenergization through the operation of the cam 15, all parts of the mechanism with the exception of the control member 58a and its controlled switch arm 59 will be in their initial positions. The control member 58a may then be returned to its off position, which operation will deenergize the incandescent lamp 16. The apparatus is then in condition for a subsequent manual or automatic control of the washing apparatus.

It will be understood that the cams will be so arranged that each cleansing and draining step 01 the automatic cycle will be assigned a certain time interval of the total time interval it takes to operate the cam shaft through the automatic range. In a specific example, it is contemplated that this total time will be approximately fifteen minutes and that the cleansing and drain steps will be timed approximately asfollows: The dishes will receive the first rinse for say 90 seconds, the first wash for minutes, the first drain will be accomplished in about 20 seconds, the second wash will be efiected in about 5 minutes, the second drain likewise will have about a 20 second interval, while the final rinse will be given about 90 seconds. It is contemplated that the timing motor will operate through a further short interval of time to bring itself into the off position.

While I have shown a particular embodiment of my invention, it will be understood, of course, that I do not wish to be limited thereto since many modifications may be made, and I, therefore, contemplate by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat, liquid supply and drain valves for said vat, electroresponsive operating means for said valves, switches controlling the energization of said electroresponsive operating means to operate said valves, a motor controlling the operation of said switches, a master switch operable to a predetermined position to control the energization of said electroresponsive operating means to operate said valves to predetermined controlling positions independently of said motor, and also operable to another predetermined controlling position to e1- feet the-operation or said motor to control said switches automatically.

2. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat, a liquid supply conduit communicating with said vat, a valve controlling said conduit, a drain valve for said vat, liquid circulating means, electroresponsive operating means for said valves, a driving motor for said liquid circulating means, cams controlling the operation 01' said electroresponsive operating means and said motor so as to ei'lect a predetermined cycle of operation oi said valves and motor when said cams are operated, a program motor connected to said cams to drive them, a master switch controlling the operation or said electroresponsive operating means and said liquid circulating motor selectively operable to a plurality of controlling positions so as to effect different operating conditions of said valves and circulating motor independently of said program motor and means controlling the operation of said program motor responsively to the operation of said master switch to another predetermined controlling position.

3. Washing apparatus comprising a vat, liquid supply and drain valves for said vat, liquid circulating means in said vat, a driving motor for said circulating means, a program motor controlling the operation of said valves and said driving motor, a master switch operable to a predetermined controlling position to control the operation of said program motor, and means controlled by operation of said master switch to another controlling position to control the operation of said valves and driving motor independently of the operation of said program motor.

4. In washing apparatus having controlling elements arranged to be operated in a predetermined sequence so that said apparatus can perform a series of operations in a washing cycle, electroresponsive means controlling the operation of said elements, power means associated with said electroresponsive means to control the operation thereof to effect automatically diil'erent steps of said series in a. predetermined cycle, a switch controlling the energization of said electroresponsive means independently of said power means operable to selected positions to effect corresponding operations of said series, and means controlled by said switch to make said power means operative when said switch is moved to another preselected controlling position.

5. In washing apparatus having controlling elements arranged to be operated in a predetermined sequence so that said apparatus can perform a series of operations in a washing cycle, electroresponsive means controlling the operation of said elements, a control member, a motor for driving said control member, control elements operated by said control member to establish energizing circuits for said electroresponsive means to cause said controlling elements of said apparatus to efiect diilerent operations or said series when said control member is moved by said motor to different positions, a switch controlling the energization oi said motor to drive said control member to said positions and also movable to selected controlling positions to establish energizing circuits for said electroresponsive means to efiect corresponding operations of said series independently of said control member.

6. In washing apparatus having controlling elements arranged to be operated in a predetermined sequence so that said apparatus can perform a series of operations in a washing cycle, electroresponsive operating means for said elements,

switches controlling said electroresponsive operating means, a shaft operably associated with said switches to operate them to cause said electroresponsive means to effect different operations of said series in different positions of said shaft, a motor to drive said shaft, a master switch controlling the energization of said motor to make it operative to drive said shaft to successive controlling positions when said switch is in a preselected position, and also arranged to control the energization of said electroresponsive means to cause said apparatus to perform different operations of said series independently of said motor when moved to other preselected positions.

7. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat, a liquid supply conduit communicating with said vat, a valve controlling said conduit, a drain valve for said vat, electroresponsive means controlling the operation of said liquid supply and drain valves, a liquid circulating impeller for said vat, a driving motor for said impeller, switches controlling the energization of said electroresponsive means, and said motor, cams arranged to operate said switches, a second motor arranged to drive said cams to a plurality oi successive'c'ontrolling positions so as to operate said switches to effect a predetermined cycle of operation of said liquid supply and drain valves and said impeller motor, a switch controlling said second motor, a cam operated by said second motor arranged .to operate said switch, and a master switch controlling said electroresponsive means and said impeller motor arranged when moved to selected controlling positions to control said electroresponsive means and said impeller motor to effect a cleansing operation independently of said second motor and when moved to another controlling position to cause said second motor to operate said cams to control said electroresponsive means and said impellermotor to effect a predetermined cleansing cycle, said switch controlling said second motor operating automatically in response to movement of said last-mentioned cam to stop the operation of said second motor when said cycle has been completed.

' 8. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat, a liquid supply conduit communicating with said vat, a valve controlling said conduit, a drain valve for said vat, electroresponsive means controlling the operation of said liquid supply and drain valves, a liquid circulating impeller for said vat, a driving motor for said impeller, switches controlling the energization of said electroresponsive means, and said motor, cams arranged to operate said switches, a second motor arranged to drive said cams to a plurality of successive controlling positions so as to operate said switches to effect a predetermined cycle of operation of said liquid supply and drain valves and said impeller motor, a switch controlling said second motor, a cam arranged to operate said switch operated by said second motor and a master switch controlling said electroresponsive means and said impeller motor arranged when moved to 'a selected controlling position to control said impeller motor to operate continuously. as long as said switch is in said controlling position, when moved to another controlling position to control said impeller motor to operate, and to control said electroresponsive means to open said liquid supply valve and to close said liquid drain valve, said impeller motor operating continuously and said drain valve remaining closed as long as said switch remains in said other controlling position, and when moved to still another controlling position, said second motor is energized to drive said cams and thereby operate said switches to control the operation of said impeller motor and said liquid supply and drain valves in a predetermined sequence to automatically effect a predetermined washing. cycle, said switch controlling said second motor automatically operated by its controlling cam to stop the operation of said second motor when said cycle has been completed.

9. Dishwashing apparatus comprising a vat, liquid supply and drain valves for said vat, a motor controlling the operation of said valves, a master switch operable to a predetermined controlling position to control the operation of said motor, and means controlled by operation of said master switch to another controlling position to control the operation of said valves independently oi. the operation of said motor.

10. In washing apparatus having controlling elements arranged to be operated in a predetermined sequence so that said apparatus can perform a series of operations in a washing cycle, electroresponsive means controlling the operation of said elements, power means associated with said electroresponsive means to control the operation thereof to effect automatically diiTerent steps of said series in a' predetermined cycle, a switch controlling the energization of said electroresponsive means independently of said power means operable to selected positions to effect corresponding operations of said series, means controlled by said switch to make said power means operative when said switch is ,moved to a preselected controlling position, and means controlled by said power means to render it inoperative when it has completed the steps of said series.

BENJAMIN W. JONES. 

